Team Liquid has officially stamped its authority on the European VALORANT scene by lifting the VCT EMEA Stage 2 trophy in dominant fashion. In a spectacular Grand Final showdown, they crushed GIANTX with a clean 3-0 sweep, proving once again why they remain one of the most dangerous teams in the region. The victory not only brought glory but also handed them the lion’s share of the event’s 250,000 dollar prize pool and the coveted first seed spot for VALORANT Champions 2025.
The tournament itself was the last and most crucial regional battle of the 2025 VALORANT calendar. Starting from July and running till the end of August, twelve of the best teams across the region clashed in a grueling group stage and an intense playoff bracket. For Team Liquid, the journey was far from smooth at the start of the year, but they found their rhythm at the perfect moment. Earlier in the season, the squad qualified for Masters Bangkok and Masters Toronto but failed to progress beyond the group stage at both international events. That stumble became fuel for redemption and led to a remarkable turnaround in Stage 2.
A key part of this success came from a roster change before the competition. The team parted ways with Maikls Ždanovs and brought in former Team Vitality player Nikita Cherednichenko, also known as trexx. The addition gave the squad a new burst of energy and tactical flexibility. Liquid finished the group stage on top of Group Omega, dropping only a single match against Karmine Corp. Their strong showing also ensured an early qualification for VALORANT Champions, courtesy of their impressive VCT Points standing.
The playoffs only reinforced Team Liquid’s momentum. They knocked GIANTX and BBL Esports into the lower bracket before setting up a decisive rematch against GIANTX in the Grand Final. With confidence sky-high and a veto advantage in their pocket, Liquid wasted no time asserting dominance. The maps Bind, Lotus, and Sunset all went their way, with scores of 13-10, 13-9, and 13-10. GIANTX fought with heart but never quite managed to shake Liquid’s grip on the series.
The star of the night was none other than Ayaz Akhmetshin, better known as nAts, the team’s in-game leader. His phenomenal performance earned him the Grand Finals MVP title as he racked up 60 kills and an outstanding average combat score of 251 across the series. His leadership and individual brilliance gave Liquid the edge that made the difference in every crucial round.
With the VCT EMEA Stage 2 trophy secured, Team Liquid now turns its eyes toward the grand stage in Paris, where VALORANT Champions 2025 will take place from September 9 to October 5. The tournament promises a staggering prize pool of 2.25 million dollars and will feature the very best teams from every corner of the world. Liquid’s opening match will be against DRX, the fourth seed from the Pacific region, setting the stage for yet another clash of international titans.
For fans, this victory marks not just another trophy but a statement that Team Liquid is back in full force and ready to contend for the biggest prize in VALORANT. The team’s dominance, resilience, and ability to rise under pressure has made their journey one of the most compelling stories in the 2025 competitive season.
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